Chat with Michael Collins

Welcome to Sportsnation! On Monday, ESPN.com golf writer Michael Collins brings his unique perspective as a former caddie into the chat.

Collins, who joined ESPN in August 2011, started his career as a stand up comedian and became a caddy by accident. He started looping for fun in 1999, but by 2003 decided to make it a full-time gig. He was the caddy for Chris Couch in 2003 when he won the Nationwide Tour championship.

Collins has never won an award for his writing, but he'll tell you that's probably because he failed high school English and still types with only his index fingers. But he's smart, funny and, most importantly, knows the game and what players and caddies go through on a weekly basis.

Michael Collins

(3:00 PM)

It's the fastest hour in golf! Ok, my fingers are crampred and numb from the GolfCast this past week but how can I say no to y'all?! I wanna know, how was Sunday for you with the way things shook out? Do you believe Jordan Spieth could be the best next young American golfer? Can Bubba win any of the other majors? I'm here, you're here... BRING IT!!

Doug (CA)

Why do caddies get a percentage of the player's winnings? That is crazy. Supply and demand can't call for that. Like someone wouldn't do that job for like $50,000 a year or something.

Michael Collins

(3:01 PM)

A weekly salary and a percentage is the way it's always been. Motivation for player and caddie to work better as a team. Player knows the caddie has a big stake in the game too.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What is the Hardest Golf Course that you have Played on?

Michael Collins

(3:02 PM)

Merion the day after the US Open last year. WOW

Ed (Queens Village)

Does Bubba win one more major this year?

Michael Collins

(3:03 PM)

Maybe the PGA Championship, that'll be his best shot

Jacer24 (Rialto, CA)

MC... Have you ever seen a drive that far down #13?... even in a practice round?

Michael Collins

(3:03 PM)

Not even after hitting TWO sprinkler heads!

Marc (NJ) [via mobile]

Do you think "they" let the greens get too firm and fast by Sunday? I think everyone would have liked more fireworks on the back nine.

Michael Collins

(3:04 PM)

I do. I was disappointed that no one could make a back nine Sunday charge. We all dream of seeing another Nicklaus or Schwartzel but the way the course was on the back it couldn't happen and that's a shame.

Mike P (Greater KC Metro)

The game of golf survived a major championship weekend without Tiger, Phil, D. Johnson, Mcillroy, Scott, and countless others of its big name stars not in contention... Does this show that we(fans and media) put to much emphasis on the stars and not the game or just simply the game will go on and that new people will always emerge?

Michael Collins

(3:07 PM)

There's a HUGE difference between survive and thrive. Without a dominating force like Tiger, that's all golf will do. That being said, if you love amazing golf played at a level collectively we've never seen before, this is awesome.

Bill [via mobile]

Do you think loss of Eisenhower tree was a bit overblown? Hole still whipped everybody.

Michael Collins

(3:07 PM)

No one knew how little effect it was going to have until they started playing for real. Most were surprised.

Mike-OB (OB)

I'm sure Steve Elkington is thrilled that Bubba won the Masters. You know, seeing as they both feel gays are second class citizens and sinful. Amazing how this continues to be overlooked as Bubba grows in stature. Thoughts?

Michael Collins

(3:10 PM)

You're taking something and adding your own twist on it and that's not fair. Bubba said he didn't agree with the lifestyle. That's it. Agree or disagree he has that right. Don't try and incite something by adding untruths, just makes you look bad.

Jeff (Chicago)

MC, was Bubba's drive at #13 the best you've ever seen in the final round of a Major?

Michael Collins

(3:11 PM)

Longest, yes. Best no. It wouldn't have cost him the tournament if he didn't pull it off.

Jay (PA)

Tell Mike P to check the TV ratings. Golf fans may have tuned in but casual fans probably not so much.

Michael Collins

(3:12 PM)

Tiger doens't just move the needle... he is the needle and that's a fact like it or not.

Steve (East Coast)

I got an inside tip that Phil will win his 6th major this year, but NOT at Pinehurst. Believe it?

Michael Collins

(3:13 PM)

your inside tip is like the bridge in Brooklyn I'm trying to sell. You wanna invest?

Geoff (Easton, PA)

Everyone keeps talking about Bubba's drive on 13... the shot that was the most insane and one that really could have swayed things was his 2nd on 15....

Jacer24 (Rialto, CA)

That shot from behind the trees on #15 was inhuman... I mean, who hits that??? What is it about being lefty that makes Bubba and Phil disregard health and safety?

Michael Collins

(3:15 PM)

I can't answer that cause I play lefty and would try the same thing. Of course, I've had golf balls ricochet off trees and hit me in the forehead before too so it never turns out as good for me... just saying.

Art (Texas) [via mobile]

Will Adam Scott win another major?

Michael Collins

(3:15 PM)

yes

Kyle W (New Zealand)

Bubba's game seems tailor made for Augusta. How many more green jackets might he win?

Michael Collins

(3:15 PM)

2-3

Mike P (Greater KC Metro)

MC what surprised you more from the weekend. Miguel Angel Jimenez &#x26; Bernhard Langer finished in the top 8 or that Jimmy Walker and Jordan Speith in their first appearance at Augusta finished in the top 8

Michael Collins

(3:17 PM)

The old guys! The way that Langer shot a 69 on Sunday and Jimenez hung around was crazy. I'm gonna stretch with a cigar before every round now! #NotReally

jeff - Nebraska [via mobile]

Michael Collins

(3:19 PM)

I've never gotten to caddie the Masters, but I love Quail Hollow (Charlotte, NC) and Shinnecock was pretty awesome.

zachattack (Iowa)

I think the talking about a Lefty having an advantage at the Masters is being overblown. Do you agree?

Michael Collins

(3:20 PM)

Nicklaus won 6 green jackets and never played a draw. Bubba can fade it yes but he like to draw his irons. It was WAY overblown

Michael H (Oklahoma)

Some people in the media suggested last night that Bubba's game is really only a fit for Augusta. Isn't that a bit unfair? He was in a playoff at the PGA Championship in 2010 and won at Riviera this year...not to mention two additional second place finishes this year as well.

Michael Collins

(3:21 PM)

Very unfair, but he will always struggle at a US Open set up.

Clay (Springfield MO) [via mobile]

Do you think that the lack of roars from birdies and eagles on the back nine on Sunday was more a result of course setup/conditions, or because of lack of experienced quality pursuers ?

Michael Collins

(3:22 PM)

That was ALL set up

Bill [via mobile]

Michael, would like your take on the CBS build up of Craig Stadler lurking behind 18 tower on Sunday to greet Kevin after his round and Kevin sort of giving him a hand slap but basically ignoring him and leaving Craid standing there looking awkward. Must be more bad blood than we know.

Michael Collins

(3:24 PM)

It's not that, Kevin was in a great position on Sunday to get a top finish and played bad on the back nine. His dad was just being a proud dad but Kevin (like his dad) was in no mood walking off the green for a Disney hug moment.

Jeff (Chicago)

MC, great work this weekend! Thanks for the coverage. Has Augusta really changed that much since 2003 to give lefties an advantage? Or is it just the fact that Bubba and Phil are that good?

Michael Collins

(3:25 PM)

Thanks Jeff. Bubba and Phil are just that good. The overall routing of the course hasn't changed, the talent level of lefties playing it has risen.

Orlando, FL [via mobile]

MC, tiger vs bubba final pairing yesterday. Who wins?

Michael Collins

(3:26 PM)

Bubba cause Tiger would have been pushed around flat on his back on a gurney. Hard to make a golf swing that way

Greg (South Bend, IN.)

MC, why the big deal with the marker beating Rory on Saturday? That guy beat a lot of people!

Michael Collins

(3:27 PM)

And Rory whooped him Sunday (even though they didn't play together)

Jeff (Chicago)

MC, Bubba and Spieth were great. But I missed Tiger and Phil (and even Sergio!) yesterday. What are the chances Tiger plays Firestone and Valhalla this year?

Michael Collins

(3:28 PM)

What would you rather have, a Tiger playing at 75% and always getting hurt or a Tiger at 100% for a few years? Let's not rush him back

Tom (Syracuse)

See told you Dustin Johnson was a lock to win!

Michael Collins

(3:29 PM)

I can't say anything, I picked Harris English.

Greg (South Bend, IN.)

MC, Jordan and Bubba looked pretty comfortable with each other. Do you think they would make a good Ryder Cup pairing?

Michael Collins

(3:30 PM)

BIG TIME!!

Tittleback (Oregon)

Thanks for the GolfCast it was awesome. I was watching on my breaks while I was shampooing my carpet. Do you have any idea how many people logged on?

Michael Collins

(3:30 PM)

No clue the total number

Tom (Syracuse)

Why are people saying Rory disappointed? He had one bad round and had 3 good ones. If anything this is a lot better than last year.

Michael Collins

(3:30 PM)

what "people" are saying that?

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

Man, Augusta was as advertised for a first-time spectator - unbelievable and you really can't appreciate those hills on TV! That said, difference between normal Masters and Tiger-less one: I spent all day yesterday (2-9) driving from Raleigh, NC to Harrisburg, PA. Never woulda done that with Tiger in contention.

Michael Collins

(3:31 PM)

you and about 2 million others as well. How much did you spend at the merchandise tent? Did you do it like I told ya?

Josh (Iowa)

Honestly how good is Jordan Spieth?! I know he faltered a bit down the stretch, but to play as well as he has against the world's best at age 20 is a true testament to his skill and character. Are you excited as I am to watch his career over the next 25 years?

Michael Collins

(3:33 PM)

Nervous and excited. He has ALL the tools to be a dominant force in golf. I just fear that when a major (or two) happens he doesn't lose his hunger. That's gonna be hard with all the monet that will be coming his way.

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

Spent $300+, couple hats, pullover, bunch of things at the checkout counter that sucked me in, etc. And picked up a few things for friends. Hit the merch tent ASAP and then walked the course. Unreal - thanks for the tips.

Michael Collins

(3:34 PM)

My pleasure. I kept it under $1k this year... good for me cause I can get "impulsive" HAHA

tdiddy (Winnipeg)

4 Masters things1)Viewership down 29% from last year. Tiger effect, or no other "big" stars effect?2) It is still my favorite tourney of the year. You?3) I think Bubba can win about 2 more of these if he wants to. He manhandles those par 5's. That drive on 13 was stupid.4) You have 3 more majors for your boy Rickie Fowler breaks through. I'll be in Vegas in July for my 40th. Should I just send you the bill. Or meet me there?Thanks always for the chats. They are awesome.

Michael Collins

(3:36 PM)

Rickie had a shot this past weekend so you better be nervous but I'll book a flight to Vegas just in case! haha

Tom (Syracuse)

What did you think of Bubba blaming the wind on a shot he hit about 25 yards right of the green ? (I think it was the 10th hole)

Michael Collins

(3:37 PM)

I laugh when people sitting in air conditioned booths for 5 hours tell people standing outside what the wind is doing.

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

Michael Collins

(3:39 PM)

I gained a coupple lbs eating those and the egg salad sandwiches... had about 8 lbs of the famous fried chicken as well.

Ed (Long Island)

Think there is now a curse of the Claret Jug? Since winning it none of the past 5 guys have done anything...Mickelson, Els, Clarke, Cink, Harrington.

Michael Collins

(3:41 PM)

No. Phil has won a tournament since. Els fired the caddie that got him the jug. Clarke can't decide whether to drink or not. Cink was jinx cause he beat Watson, and Padraig has changed his swing 137 times since winning and lost his swing. It ain't the jug.

Sunny (MN)

I felt media was desperate to elevate Jordan to Super Star like Tiger. But does media realise what it really takes to be Tiger?

Michael Collins

(3:43 PM)

I don't think the general public know what it takes. Media doesn't do this on their own, it's driven by the people watching or not watching.

Bill [via mobile]

How good would Lee Westwood be if he could make just 50% more of his putts inside 10 feet?

Michael Collins

(3:44 PM)

He would have at least one major trophy at his house maybe three

Jeff (Still in Nebraska)

True or False... You're doing a guest spot on @Bubbatalk live

Michael Collins

(3:44 PM)

False as far as I know right now

Michael H (Oklahoma)

Do you realize it's only three weeks until the Players? That's pretty exciting.

Michael Collins

(3:44 PM)

I can't wait!!

Steve (Denver)

Phil ,has not won since Open, He has only 1 top 10 since then.....

Michael Collins

(3:47 PM)

My bad, I counted Presidents Cup

Matt (DC)

Is Kuchar's game just not suited for the Masters? He seems to be good at everything and not great at anything... maybe the US Open is his kind of major. It's about time he stepped up, right?

Michael Collins

(3:48 PM)

He doesn't hit it straight enough for the US Open. Don't know that he'll ever win a major.

Justin (Wondering)

As a comedian, what's your take on Colbert succeeding Letterman? To me it seems like a great move. Colbert is very smart.

Michael Collins

(3:49 PM)

Very smart move but he's going to have to work on doing interviews straight. Haven't seen that much and it's an art.

Gus (Boston)

MC - ever got the chance to play Augusta on media Monday? Also, who takes over for Jack, Gary and Arnie as honorary starters when they hang it up?

Michael Collins

(3:51 PM)

Never won the media lottery. Three years straight I've been shut out and this year my editor won... second time he's getting to play. I'm not speaking to him right now (yes, I have a little brat in me sometimes). Don't know who'd be Next... Watson/Faldo?

Ben (Los Angeles)

I was pulling for your boy Ricky on Sunday. He was my dark horse pick. That 3 putt bogey on the 2nd took the air out of his tires.

Michael Collins

(3:51 PM)

agreed

Jacer24 (Rialto, CA)

Watson would have to be one option.

John (Denver)

Top five tournaments in terms of on course food options?

Michael Collins

(3:52 PM)

NO ONE is better than New Orleans. And no one is a close second either.

Lyle (NM)

Crenshaw would be next. But Jack and Gary have a long way to go yet as honorary starters.

Michael Collins

(3:52 PM)

And Crenshaw is playing next year.

Michael H (Oklahoma)

To Kuchar's credit, he is one of the most consistent contenders at Augusta this decade. And, he won a Player's. Anybody that can win a Player's Championship is capable of winning a major, IMO.

Jefe (MN)

Funniest thing of the weekend....My brother texting me asking if I knew anyone that could "get us on at the Augusta".... Like, if I did, I'd drag his butt out there. Apparently, playing Augusta is his new goal in life.

Michael Collins

(3:53 PM)

Not a bad goal but...

Alex (OH)

MC, this isn't masters related but I was thinking about it the other day. Do players hold any grudges/have bad blood against one another beacuse of Ryder Cups? There is so much passion between the two sides that some feelings could carry over.

Michael Collins

(3:55 PM)

no, golf is self-deprecating so most guys would be mad at themselves for what they did. Not the guy on the other team.

Clay (Springfield, MO)

Last time the U.S. Open was at Pinehurst, it gave us a winner out of left field in Michael Campbell. Do you think that this is likely again given the "parity" in golf now, or do you think it will be more of a blue chips leaderboard like in '99 with Payne, Mickelson, and Tiger at the top?

Michael Collins

(3:57 PM)

No because of the changes that they've made. A "flash in the pan" won't win there this year.

Lyle (NM)

So how is it going to play out at Pinehurst? Fowler beats Dustin?

Michael Collins

(3:57 PM)

Phil will have a chance... again. What happens... I don't know

Ben (Los Angeles)

I don't know if my life is becoming boring or you're just awesome but you are my favorite part of Mondays. Keep it up Michael.

Michael Collins

(3:58 PM)

Your life is boring but I'm glad I can be a bright spot! HAHA

Sunny (MN)

MC,Do you think Phil will be in the top 10 best golfers ever played list when he is done playing?Thanks.